Carotid artery cannulation in aortic surgery

The common carotid artery is not widely used for arterial return in cardiovascular surgery with the use of extracorporeal circulation; however, in our opinion, it is an artery that most ideally fits several criteria for cannulation use. It is easy and very fast to access, even in obese patients, and it is large and strong enough to provide a sufficient arterial return. Moreover, the risk of local injuries and wound infection is extremely low, and finally, the use of the common carotid artery for cannulation is very advantageous for cerebral perfusion in many pathologies of the aortic arch and its branches.